Press Releases

TransOptions is proud to announce the Inter-County Final winners of the 12th annual Junior Solar Sprints Competition (JSS) held on May 28, 2013, at Ridgedale Middle School.

JSS is an Environmental Education program hosted by TransOptions, a non-profit, at no cost to middle school students, teachers or schools. TransOptions is grateful to the Alcoa Foundation for being the primary sponsor of this year’s Competition and to Jersey Central Power & Light-First Energy Foundation, Thorlabs, the New Jersey Herald and the Avis-Budget Group for their support.

“Hosting the Junior Solar Sprints Competition demonstrates TransOptions commitment to the helping future generations learn about an alternative fuel, conserving resources and helping the environment,” comments John F. Ciaffone, TransOptions President. “We are proud to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education with content that aligns to New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and gratified by the ongoing success of this enrichment program,” he adds.

Race day is the culmination of months of preparation by over 3,500 students from 52 middle schools participating this year. The teams started on a level playing field; each receiving basic components including a solar panel, a motor, wheels and axles along with rules for the Competition. Next came weeks of applying creativity, teamwork and science skills to design and build their unique model racing cars. During the process, the students witnesses alternative energy first-hand as they harnessed solar energy to power their racing cars down the 66 foot long track.

Entries are judged in the categories of Speed, Engineering, Craftsmanship and Best Use of Recycled Materials. Each team is also required to submit a Documentation Portfolio providing a record of their concept, design, development and comments. A panel of volunteer judges, drawn from local businesses and communities, contribute their time and scientific expertise to evaluate student entries.

Immediately following the competition, awards were presented to each student on the winning teams.